RealGM Wiretap

Ivan Johnson Seriously Considering Leaving NBA For Overseas Club

Aug 16, 2013 3:06 PM

Interest in Ivan Johnson hasn’t elevated as he had expected, and now the free agent forward is seriously considering leaving the NBA for lucrative offers from Chinese and Italian teams, his agent Jeremiah Haylett told RealGM.

Four NBA teams have remained in discussions with Johnson, but no organization has stepped up in negotiations the way his representatives have wanted, leaving them believing the 29-year-old could ultimately sign overseas. One of the most productive big men left on the market, Johnson has sought offers higher than the veteran’s minimum – despite a free agency process that has slowed considerably.

“It is very legitimate Ivan could end up overseas this season,” Haylett said Friday. “It’s the best possibility right now. It wouldn’t be a multi-year deal, though, because he would like to get back into the NBA.”

At 6-foot-8, Johnson established himself as a consistent force of activity, rebounding and aggressiveness for the Atlanta Hawks over the past two seasons, averaging 6.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in 125 games.

Johnson bounced around collegiately, finishing at Cal State San Bernardino in 2007. Before entering the NBA with the Hawks in 2011, Johnson played in the D-League and abroad in South Korea, Puerto Rico and China.